April 25th is known as ANZAC Day here in Australia. It's the day our whole nation stops to remember and mark the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australia and New Zealand.
The ANZACs - Australian and New Zealander Army Corps - landed at Gallipoli on April 25th, back in 1915, and so began an eight month military campaign that failed to achieve any of its objectives. At the end of that campaign, the troops were evacuated with over 8,000 Australian soldiers killed during the long battle. April 25th became the day that our country stops to remember the sacrifices made by all Australians who served and died in all wars and conflicts.
It's not very often that an Australian Prime Minister attends an Anzac Day commemoration here in Townsville. They usually do their bit in our nation's capital, Canberra or over at Gallipoli. Today however our current Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, was here in Townsville to attend the Dawn Service.
Townsville is a garrison city, home to one of Australia's largest defence communities. The relocation of 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment to our city this year meant that the three original infantry battalions would be parading together on ANZAC Day for the first time in 60 years. Obviously that is quite an historic occasion, and the Prime Minister needed to be a part of it.
Just to close the post today, I'm adding a heart rendering version of one of our most well-known Aussie songs. It's Eric Bogle's 'And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda', which I think is the very best version. Interestingly the song is used in a presentation made for students at a Canadian high school. While there are certainly some images of Australian soldiers and the Gallipoli campaign, there are many images of Canadian armed forces members. This just proves that no matter where you are in the world, the evocative lyrics of Eric's song still resonate. We honour our veterans, but all their sacrifices are futile if we never learn the lessons that war teaches us all.
Last year's post: Lest We Forget
The combination of song and photos was amazing. I knew of Gallipoli and only a few details so it put this very special day for Australia in perspective.
ReplyDeleteThis brings back memories. Years ago my husband had the privilege of serving with members of the RAAF here in the US and it was a wonderful experience. We helped them celebrate Australia Day in 1988(200 yrs.)with a big party and we sang Waltzing Matilda.
Shirley, it has become one of our most important national occasions, alongside Australia Day. How amazing that you helped some of our military celebrate Australia Day back in 1988!!! I can imagine the Aussies ripping out 'Waltzing Matilda'!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
ReplyDeleteI have been sat here for the past ten minuets thinking what to write but words alone don’t seem to be enough so a silent prayer for all the lives lost for the pain and suffering of all those who lost loved ones and children who grew up not knowing their loved ones.
ReplyDeleteNext time I hear Waltzing Matilda I will remember all of those brave men and women.
Well said Bernie...wonderful post!
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